Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French dish, combining layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, all baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers all the taste of the traditional dish with the ease of a one-pan casserole. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
2. Layer the diced ham over the chicken.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and ham layers.
4. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken and ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach while keeping the cheese and sauce layers intact.
• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour in the sauce.

Cooking Note

• The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
• For a shortcut, store-bought Alfredo sauce can replace the homemade sauce in a pinch.
• You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A light white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Tips

1. Shred your cheese fresh from the block for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
2. Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time.
3. Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking for an extra-crispy topping.
4. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 25g

FAQs

Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.

What can I use instead of ham?

You can substitute ham with turkey, prosciutto, or even cooked bacon for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Some great options include steamed asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple Caesar salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that captures all the classic flavors of the traditional recipe with minimal effort. Its creamy layers of chicken, ham, and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether served at a family dinner or a gathering, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a rich and flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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• Author: Diana Carrozza
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of the traditional French classic to your table with ease. Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese are smothered in a rich, homemade sauce and topped with golden breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy finish. This family-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
2. Layer the diced ham over the chicken.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and ham layers.
4. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or ham with turkey bacon for a twist.
• Topping Tip: For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with chopped nuts or crushed crackers.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
• Shortcut Option: If short on time, use store-bought Alfredo sauce in place of the homemade version for a quick fix.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-French Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg